Ocrelizumab May Improve Cognition in Patients At Risk for Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Treatment with ocrelizumab may offer a protective benefit on cognitive function in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), according to a study presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, held May 30-June 2 in Nashville, Tennessee.

“Cognitive impairment is common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and considerably impacts quality of life, [and] the probability of cognitive deficits increases with progressive disease,” the study researchers said.

Researchers randomly assigned patients with RMS at risk for developing progressive disease to either 600 mg ocrelizumab (n=186) every 24 weeks or 3-times-weekly subcutaneous interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a) 44 µg (n=180) for 96 weeks. Patients had a baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale score of ≥4 and a pyramidal Kurtzke Functional Systems Score of ≥2. At baseline and every 12 weeks, patients underwent the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). Moderate impairment was defined as scores of ≥2 SD below population norms on the SDMT. Additionally, clinically meaningful improvements were defined as a ≥4-point increase on the SDMT over a 96-week period.

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